FAST takes software piracy fight to the north

Anti-piracy body partners with Trading Standards North West to educate businesses about software misuse

Anti-piracy body The Federation Against Software Theft (FAST) has teamed up with Trading Standards to educate businesses in the North West about the dangers of using unlicensed software.

The partnership has already resulted in the creation of an online booklet, containing information about software misuse, compliance issues and legislation.

FAST claims the joint campaign, which was launched at an event in Warrington last week, is the largest education initiative it has undertaken in the North West.

John Lovelock, chief executive of FAST, said: "It has become commonplace for businesses to often unintentionally break piracy laws by not paying attention to software licensing.

"We intend to fully co-operate with Trading Standards North West so we can work together to ensure the use of genuine software at work."

Lovelock said FAST will also lend support to Trading Standards and its copyright infringement enforcements activities, as laid out in Section 107A of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

Peter Astley, a member of Trading Standards North West, added: "With the support of FAST we are looking to work together tackling software theft in the workplace, which includes helping and supporting those businesses trying to trade legally in the current economic climate."